The HDFS Satellite HD Digital Receiver with freesat has been designed for the reception of both Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) programming. The freesat specification offers a fully featured Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), interactive ‘Red Button’ services using MHEG-5 and HD programmes from ITV HD.

The HDFS allows multimedia playback of movies, music and pictures from external USB devices, memory cards and Compact Flash or via a networked PC using the Ethernet port. The network connectivity can be extended further with the addition of the TechniSat USB-WLAN adaptor to provide a wireless solution.

In addition to freesat mode, the HDFS has a TechniSat mode which offers the extended features and functions expected of a TechniSat receiver, such as multi-satellite reception using DiSEqC and motor control.

Much better receiver than the Humax for a similar price, 3 years warranty, fantastic build quality, single tuner recording (via USB Hard Disk/USB Stick), and disecq motor control to pick up free to air channels on other satellites.

Thanks both- I bought from Amazon with nectar points, rather than microdirect with quidco or TCB, which are vague about the actual percentage cashback (2% to 5%). Cashback on Play is pitiful for electronic items. The item sounds great either way.

Edited by: "LongPockets" 24th Apr 2011

24th Apr 2011

Nice box and lovin the usb recording. Seems to get c4HD fine, unlike many of the Bush/Goodmans boxes!

24th Apr 2011

The reviews say it doesn't have series link recording - is that available on the Humax?

Original Poster

24th Apr 2011

brookheather

The reviews say it doesn't have series link recording - is that available … The reviews say it doesn't have series link recording - is that available on the Humax?

The Humax doesn't record as already stated, the single feed Humax which retails for around £120 does not have an external USB option for recording.

Original Poster

24th Apr 2011

LongPockets

Thanks both- I bought from Amazon with nectar points, rather than … Thanks both- I bought from Amazon with nectar points, rather than microdirect with quidco or TCB, which are vague about the actual percentage cashback (2% to 5%). Cashback on Play is pitiful for electronic items. The item sounds great either way.

I wouldn't touch Play with electrical items of this value because of them being offshore and not adhering to UK trading standards law. Amazons super saver delivery invariably delays the item being despatched, taking into account quidco at 3% (providing you use it) there is no difference in cost

24th Apr 2011

how much recording time in sd mode would a 16gb usb stick give you?

24th Apr 2011

ADZ1478

how much recording time in sd mode would a 16gb usb stick give you?

Can't say for this item as I haven't used it yet, but my Fortecstar has a similar USB record function, and "No Country for Old Men" takes up 4.3Gb on disk.

24th Apr 2011

Does the technisat mode have all the possible free channels or just non-freesat channels? Does technisat mode have epg info?

Original Poster

24th Apr 2011

team_a

Does the technisat mode have all the possible free channels or just … Does the technisat mode have all the possible free channels or just non-freesat channels? Does technisat mode have epg info?

I am prety sure it doesn't have the EPG in non-freesat mode, however it is capable of free channels from other satellites, such as free german channels on 19E, meaning matches such as Schalke VS Manchester United next Tuesday which is not shown on ITV can be received via the free to air Sat 1 Austria/Germany.

Edited by: "cicobuff" 24th Apr 2011

24th Apr 2011

cicobuff

I am prety sure it doesn't have the EPG in non-freesat mode, however it … I am prety sure it doesn't have the EPG in non-freesat mode, however it is capable of free channels from other satellites, such as free german channels on 19E, meaning matches such as Schalke VS Manchester United next Tuesday which is not shown on ITV can be received via the free to air Sat 1 Austria/Germany.

thanks. i'm looking for a receiver similar to sky but without the subscription. the humax does freesat channels in one mode then i think you have to go through a menu option to view the non-freesat channels that are available on sky, a bit fiddly.

Original Poster

24th Apr 2011

team_a

thanks. i'm looking for a receiver similar to sky but without the … thanks. i'm looking for a receiver similar to sky but without the subscription. the humax does freesat channels in one mode then i think you have to go through a menu option to view the non-freesat channels that are available on sky, a bit fiddly.

Unfortunately a standard satellite receiver do not have as good an EPG as a dedicated Freesat receiver, providing now and next options.

I think this is a better compromise than the Humax though as it provides more choice, even though you have to switch operation mode. Although saying that you really need a motor to get the most out of it.

24th Apr 2011

cicobuff

The Humax doesn't record as already stated, the single feed Humax which … The Humax doesn't record as already stated, the single feed Humax which retails for around £120 does not have an external USB option for recording.

I'm referring to the Humax Freesat HD recorder not the receiver.

Original Poster

24th Apr 2011

brookheather

I'm referring to the Humax Freesat HD recorder not the receiver.

Would have been helpful if you were mentioning you were referring to the twin tuner Humax recorder as it would be easy to assume you were comparing these two single tuner options of similar price.

Yes, the Humax Freesat recorder does series link recordings, as does the twin tuner Sagem Freesat HD Recorders.

30th Apr 2011

"Pause live TV, Timeshift and record to external hard drive"

NO IT DOESN'T!!!

I have received the item, and there is NO RECORD or timeshift. The USB and memory card slots can be used to play MPEGs from other sources, but you CANNOT record. There is a timer function, but that only switches to the required channel so that you can record it "on an external device like a VHS recorder".

Luckily I got this from Amazon, with their excellent returns program. Have now booked return for refund including free pick-up by DHL.

Edited by: "LongPockets" 30th Apr 2011

30th Apr 2011

LongPockets

"Pause live TV, Timeshift and record to external hard drive"NO IT … "Pause live TV, Timeshift and record to external hard drive"NO IT DOESN'T!!!I have received the item, and there is NO RECORD or timeshift. The USB and memory card slots can be used to play MPEGs from other sources, but you CANNOT record. There is a timer function, but that only switches to the required channel so that you can record it "on an external device like a VHS recorder".Luckily I got this from Amazon, with their excellent returns program. Have now booked return for refund including free pick-up by DHL.

Thanks for the update, just came off my purchase list

Original Poster

30th Apr 2011

LongPockets

"Pause live TV, Timeshift and record to external hard drive"NO IT … "Pause live TV, Timeshift and record to external hard drive"NO IT DOESN'T!!!I have received the item, and there is NO RECORD or timeshift. The USB and memory card slots can be used to play MPEGs from other sources, but you CANNOT record. There is a timer function, but that only switches to the required channel so that you can record it "on an external device like a VHS recorder".Luckily I got this from Amazon, with their excellent returns program. Have now booked return for refund including free pick-up by DHL.

I really do not know what on earth you are talking about here, I bought one for the bedroom and do not use the record features, so I just thought I would try this out.....

Did you receive a Technisat HDFS? Mine is on software 2.41.36.7

Menu, Settings, Special Functions, PVR

Radio Recording Format : PVR + MP2

Format with PVR File System

Format your USB Stick or External Hard Disk, and everything works fine, just tested it with a USB Stick, pause live TV and record.

Original Poster

30th Apr 2011

freestyle

Thanks for the update, just came off my purchase list

Your loss..recording works on this unit.

30th Apr 2011

freestyle

Thanks for the update, just came off my purchase list

Well, I have investigated further, and according to the reviews there is a record function after you update the firmware and download a copy of the recording manual from the Technisat website. You need that because there are no keys on the remote with any record functions labelled, and nothing in the manual that ships with it.

I am now in two minds. Do I go through with the return, or do I put up with a patched-on recording system without dedicated buttons? Apparently the recordings are only playable on the Technisat that records them- they are encrypted so you can't play them on any other equipment. There are also size limitations on media that you might want to play from USB keys or the network that make these less useful, and the formats don't include HD.

Original Poster

30th Apr 2011

LongPockets

Well, I have investigated further, and according to the reviews there is … Well, I have investigated further, and according to the reviews there is a record function after you update the firmware and download a copy of the recording manual from the Technisat website. You need that because there are no keys on the remote with any record functions labelled, and nothing in the manual that ships with it.I am now in two minds. Do I go through with the return, or do I put up with a patched-on recording system without dedicated buttons? Apparently the recordings are only playable on the Technisat that records them- they are encrypted so you can't play them on any other equipment. There are also size limitations on media that you might want to play from USB keys or the network that make these less useful, and the formats don't include HD.

As stated, it does record, you have to use the colour keys, although obviously if you have a universal remote like I do (Logitech Harmony) then that can be programmed.

Whether you return it or not is entirely up to you! You won't find a better built Freesat receiver for a ton, that can record. You can of course opt for a twin tuner from the likes of Sagem, Goodmans or Humax. I know for a fact that the Sagem doesn't play media.

There again, do you not have a blu ray/games consoles/dvd player for your media needs?

Original Poster

30th Apr 2011

@Longpockets

I wished you would have "investigated" sooner rather than attempting to thread spoil with incorrect information.

30th Apr 2011

cicobuff

@LongpocketsI wished you would have "investigated" sooner rather than … @LongpocketsI wished you would have "investigated" sooner rather than attempting to thread spoil with incorrect information.

It wasn't incorrect information. The box doesn't record as delivered, and there is NO indication in what is shipped that you can get it to record with a firmware upgrade. You have to read the reviews, and more than a few of them, to find out what is going on.

To characterize my post as an attempt to "thread spoil" is to attribute a base motive to my attempt to be helpful. You might easily have been more informative yourself, and told people it wouldn't record right out of the box but needed a firmware upgrade. Instead YOU misled them by cutting and pasting the seller's blurb without explanation.

Original Poster

30th Apr 2011

LongPockets

It wasn't incorrect information. The box doesn't record as delivered, and … It wasn't incorrect information. The box doesn't record as delivered, and there is NO indication in what is shipped that you can get it to record with a firmware upgrade. You have to read the reviews, and more than a few of them, to find out what is going on.To characterize my post as an attempt to "thread spoil" is to attribute a base motive to my attempt to be helpful. You might easily have been more informative yourself, and told people it wouldn't record right out of the box but needed a firmware upgrade. Instead YOU misled them by cutting and pasting the seller's blurb without explanation.

If my initially posting this deal was unhelpful, you should not have bought this item to start with!, why "like" my post.

I bought mine as a clearance item for a bargainous £45, if I remember correctly (it was some 9 months ago when I bought it) it had a slip inside the box stating that record features are available after a firmware upgrade, as I said though "if I remember correctly" I can't be assed to go into the attic to dig out the box to "prove this" to you....I already listed earlier in this thread HOW to access the record features, I actually took the time and trouble to investigate into the feature I hadn't utilised and took the time and trouble to guide you through what menus to use, but you didn't want to thank me there for that help...just carry on whinging!.

I know for a fact it records, I have not got a fricking crystal ball not to know that any new purchased ones over the past year have not been updated/and/or maybe old stock before the recording feature upgrade.

You were not being helpful by posting on here that it does not record and being miffed over something before researching into it.

To state I have misled anyone here amuses me when I know that what I have listed here is all factual.

People like you that complain when others post deals and are helpful dishearten my experience here on HUKD.

If you are not however happy with your unit, or my "sales pitch" on here, then I suggest you return the unit to Amazon and see what else you can get that is better for a ton.

And when you do, please post the deal on here, I am sure others will take great pleasure in correcting any details incorrect with your post.

I think you come across like an ungrateful immature person.

Ps....What Hi Fi Magazine and Stuff Magazine both did not state either that a firmware upgrade is needed for record features, now either they got a later revision model that already had them incorporated, or like myself did not think it was necessary to point out, and guess what....they actually get paid for their journalism...I don't!

Cannot believe you have the cheek even to state I shouldn't copy and paste and put correct details, when your own post the other month on a DAB Radio stated it included an alarm when it doesn't have one!